‘The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia and the world’ — Neymar

‘The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia and the world’ — Neymar
Neymar took part in a special cross-competition event at the Esports world Cup in Riyadh. (SUPPLIED)
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Updated 22 August 2024
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‘The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia and the world’ — Neymar

‘The Esports World Cup is a great opportunity for Saudi Arabia and the world’ — Neymar
  • The Al-Hilal and Brazil star praised the tournament after leading ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special sell-out competition
  • The footballer talked of the ‘promising future’ of esports and said gaming was a ‘significant part’ of his life 

RIYADH: Al-Hilal star Neymar Jr. has hailed the Esports World Cup as “a great opportunity” for Saudi Arabia after he captained ‘Team Neymar Jr’ in a special cross-competition event at Boulevard Riyadh City.

The Brazilian, a lifelong gaming fan who joined the Saudi Pro League champions in 2023, said the summer-long event had highlighted the Kingdom’s culture and hospitality to the international community.

“This is a great opportunity for the country, especially in terms of the visibility it has generated,” Neymar said. “It allows people to see what Saudi Arabia is really like. I’ve learned a lot of positive things since coming here. It’s a fantastic country, with positive and happy people, and I hope this event this the first of many in the years ahead because it has opened new doors for the world to experience Saudi Arabia.”

Tuesday saw Brazil’s all-time top scorer lead ‘Team Neymar Jr’ against a side captained by Mossad Al-Dossary, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s EWC Club Championship winners, Team Falcons. The match — which saw the two teams face off in Counter-Strike 2, Rocket League, and TEKKEN 8 — ended with a 2-1 win for Neymar’s side.

The player had special praise for the capacity crowd inside the SEF Arena.

“The SEF Arena is incredible, I love it,” he said. “I’ve played here a bit, and it’s surreal to see what they’ve accomplished in just a few months by building it. I love the vibe, everyone I’ve met is so nice and the atmosphere is fantastic. This shows that Saudi Arabia is doing something truly amazing in the gaming and esports world. The Kingdom has become a pioneer for the industry while opening up opportunities across for the region and whole world to be a part of.”

As part-owner of Brazilian organization FURIA Esports, Neymar said he was excited about the industry’s future.

“Esports undoubtedly has a promising future — it’s incredibly exciting for everyone involved and we’re now seeing young people with an opportunity to turn their passion into a career. I’m optimistic about the industry’s growth and the potential it holds for the next generation.”

The star also spoke of the vibrant gaming culture he has experienced throughout his professional career, labeling it as “a significant part” of his life.

“Gaming culture is deeply embedded in the teams I’ve played with. We often play together online, whether in hotels or while traveling,” he said. “Esports is a big part of the world of football, as it’s a great way for us to relax and relieve stress.

“On a personal level, my interest in esports originates from the time I have outside of football. I find it incredibly relaxing; it helps me destress, connect with friends, and offers a different perspective on life. Some of my best memories are tied to playing games like “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive,” so esports has become a significant part of my life.”

The eighth and final week of the EWC begins on Wednesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, with TEKKEN 8 and PUBG Battlegrounds action. ESL and Rocket League begin on Thursday. The PUBG Battlegrounds final is on Saturday, with the other three tournaments’ grand finals taking place on Sunday.


Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania

Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania
Updated 27 November 2024
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Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania

Diriyah circuit revealed as one of 3 additions to Formula E Trackmania
  • In partnership with game publisher Ubisoft, Formula E will unveil the Sao Paulo, Diriyah and Miami tracks on Dec. 4

LONDON: Formula E has announced Diriyah as one of three additional tracks in the popular Trackmania game.

Sao Paolo and Miami have also been added following the huge success of the inaugural three circuits featured in the game during year one of the partnership with game publisher Ubisoft.

The coming season features six Formula E circuits, with returning fan favorites Tokyo, Berlin and London joined by the new tracks.

Players will also have access to a bespoke Formula E Championship show car livery as well as those from all 11 race teams. Attack mode and energy management systems will continue to be incorporated via a Formula E game mode, with a competitive live race per circuit and cash prizes up for grabs.

A special test race is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 27 so players can familiarize themselves with the tracks and game mechanics before the official season begins.

Starting on Dec. 4, just before Season 11 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship kicks off at the Sambadrome in Sao Paulo, the specially designed street circuit will be revealed to Trackmania’s players through a Track of the Day launch, followed by the first official race.

Players will also be able to use 12 car liveries — 11 team skins from Formula E’s Season 11 and an exclusive championship skin.

Sanjay Shivaram, Formula E strategy and business development director, said: “As ever, our aim is to bring our fans closer to the action and as Formula E’s gaming offer continues to grow, we’re thrilled to integrate three new circuits into Trackmania for millions of fans to enjoy.

“It’s important to give fans and players the chance to put themselves in the driving seat and experience the thrill and drama of electric racing themselves. Through launching live races across six iconic Formula E circuits, fans will be able to experience (this) in an alternative, immersive format and take in the action for themselves. With cash prizes and a Grand Winner title to compete for, fans will be able to challenge themselves in their own racing championship and be part of the Formula E gaming community.”

Formula E first arrived in the Kingdom in Formula E’s fifth season and has raced in Diriyah six times. In 2025, the E-Prix moves to Jeddah, taking place on a modified version of the Jeddah Corniche Short Circuit on Feb. 14-15.


FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
Updated 26 November 2024
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FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh

FIFAe Finals 2024 to take place in Riyadh
  • The tournament returns to the Saudi capital from Dec. 5-12 with a partnership between FIFAe and the Saudi Esports Federation

RIYADH: The FIFAe Finals 2024 come to Riyadh next month, the first time the event will include multiple esports titles.

Hosted at the SEF Arena at BLVD Riyadh City, it will unfold in two stages. Proceedings begin with the FIFAe World Cup featuring Rocket League from Dec. 5-8, followed by two FIFAe World Cups featuring eFootball (on console and mobile) that will run from Dec. 9-12.

Ahead of the tournaments, Turki Al-Fawzan, CEO of the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “As we continue to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position as a global leader in esports, hosting the FIFAe Finals 2024 is a proud moment for us. This event not only highlights the Kingdom’s commitment to the esports ecosystem but also provides an unparalleled opportunity for players from across the world to showcase their talent and passion on a global stage. We’re excited to witness the next chapter of esports history unfold right here in Riyadh.”

Players have the opportunity to represent their nations and lift the official FIFAe World Cup Trophy on a global stage. Sixteen nations are competing in Rocket League and up to 18 will go head-to-head in eFootball.

In line with Rocket League’s third-party regulations, the prize pool stands at $250,000. The prize pool for both eFootball competitions (console and mobile) is $100,000 each, bringing the total prize distribution for the FIFAe Finals 2024 to $450,000.

“This year’s addition of multiple new titles marks a major expansion for football esports tournaments, offering players from diverse ecosystems the chance to compete on the biggest stage under the FIFAe banner. We’re excited to continue this momentum together with the SEF and look forward to bringing this event to life in December together with our partners and publishers,” said FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.

The FIFAe Finals 2024 follow the inaugural FIFAe Next Gen event in Liverpool, England, which included the first-ever FIFAe World Cup featuring Football Manager, alongside the FIFAe Fame Your Game Cup.


Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship

Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship
Updated 10 November 2024
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Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship

Kingdom’s esports chief ‘proud’ as Riyadh prepares to host 16th IESF World Esports Championship
  • Event will bring together more than 50 nations

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia is hosting the 16th edition of the International Esports Federation’s World Esports Championship in Riyadh from Monday.

The event, which is being hosted by the Saudi Esports Federation and runs until Nov. 19, will bring together more than 50 nations across six major esports tournaments at the SEF Arena at Boulevard Riyadh City.

The championship will feature contests in Counter-Strike 2 (including both an open and a women’s category), Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (open and women’s tournaments), PUBG Mobile, and Dota 2. 

With over 200 matches set to take place, more than 480 esports enthusiasts are ready to participate and showcase their skills in what organizers hope will be a landmark international event for the Kingdom.

Abdullah Al-Nasser, head of esports at the Saudi Esports Federation, said: “Hosting the IESF World Esports Championship 2024 in Riyadh is another proud accolade for the federation in the Kingdom’s gaming and esports journey to becoming a global hub for the industry.

“We are delighted to welcome all athletes and countries to the WEC24 ahead of what is going to be a fascinating and intense competition.”

The championship’s opening ceremony is to be held on Monday at the main stage of the SEF Arena.

The event will include the introduction of participating teams, highlighted by a flag ceremony displaying the flags of each competing nation. Those attending will also be treated to a look back at the history of the showcase, featuring memorable moments, rivalries, and significant achievements from past editions of the World Esports Championship.


ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know

ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know
Updated 05 November 2024
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ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know

ESL Saudi Challenge — everything you need to know
  • The tournament playoffs will take place in Riyadh from Nov. 8-16, with the final on Dec. 7

RIYADH: The ESL Saudi Challenge qualifiers have officially ended and the stage is now set for the playoffs, which take place from Nov. 8-16.

After an intense round of Overwatch2 competition, the best teams from across Saudi Arabia have secured their spots and are ready to face off in the next phase, with a total prize pool of $20,000 up for grabs.

The success of the recent Esports World Cup in Riyadh highlighted the popularity of gaming among Saudi players and fans, and that looks set to continue with more competitions taking place across the Kingdom in the coming years.

The ESL Saudi Challenge, organized by esports and video game entertainment company ESL FACEIT Group, will also give the victors a chance to compete on a global stage.

During the playoffs, teams face off in an attempt to advance to the Finals, where the top three teams will go head-to-head in front of a live audience at VOV Gaming in Riyadh on Dec. 7.

Schedule and Format

Playoffs: Nov. 8-16

The best eight teams face off in the double elimination bracket matches.

Grand Finals: Dec. 7

The top three teams from the playoffs compete in lower bracket and upper bracket for the Grand Final. The winner will be crowned ESL Saudi Challenge Champion, taking home the top prize of $9,000 and qualifying for an international event in 2025.

Teams

The ESL Saudi Challenge will see some of the best teams in Overwatch compete for the grand prize:

Twisted Minds

Vision Esports

Himawari

Amigos

Roc esports

Al-Qadisiah

Dragons

Negative Mental Attitude

Prize money (USD) 

Total pool: $20,000

1st: $9,000

2nd: $5,000

3rd: $3,000

4th: $,1000

5th-8th: $500

Where to watch

Fans can watch  the playoffs on the ESL Arabia Twitch and YouTube channels. For those unable to tune in live, all matches will also be available to watch on-demand free of charge via YouTube.


ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition

ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition
Updated 11 October 2024
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ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition

ESL Saudi Challenge to offer Kingdom’s gamers a path to global competition
  • ESL FACEIT Group announces first-ever exclusive tournament for Saudi Arabia, kicking off on Oct. 18

RIYADH: ESL FACEIT Group has announced the launch of the ESL Saudi Challenge, the first-ever ESL tournament exclusively for the Saudi gaming community.

Starting on Oct. 18 with Overwatch 2 as the featured game, the event will provide a unique opportunity for local talent to compete on the global stage.

Running until Dec. 7, it will see Saudi’s top teams battle for a share of a $20,000 prize pool. The competition begins with three open tournaments hosted on the FACEIT platform, with the top two teams from each securing a playoff place. These will join two invited teams in an intense double-elimination showdown, culminating in a thrilling final at VOV Gaming in Riyadh.

“The ESL Saudi Challenge is more than just a tournament — it’s the beginning of a new chapter for esports in Saudi Arabia,” said Franck Guignery, ESL FACEIT Group’s senior vice president for the Middle East & Africa region.

“By featuring Overwatch 2 and providing a pathway to international competition, we’re offering Saudi esports enthusiasts a chance to showcase their skills on a global stage. Whether you’re an aspiring esports player, a professional player or a fan, this is your chance to be part of the action and witness the rise of local talent.”

ESL FACEIT Group is the world's largest esports and video game entertainment company. In January 2022 it was acquired by Saudi Arabia’s Savvy Games Group, which is 100 percent owned by the country's Public Investment Fund, for $1.5 billion. ESL FACEIT Group has been appointed the main official operating partner of the Esports World Cup for the next five years.